Another setback has been reported for Hardik Pandya’s comeback to cricket as the popular all-rounder has picked up a fresh leg ailment while rehabilitation him in the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Pandya was said to be nearing recovery after training at maximum capacity with no hassles. But his recent discomfort in his leg has left him out of the possible group of players for India’s three-match series versus Afghanistan.
Pandya did not cause any big issues with his batting or movement, the report added. But the CoE medical team is adamant to be sure with his fitness status before allowing him to compete in cricket again.
The Afghanistan tentatively starts on 13th September, which leaves little time for Pandya to improve his fitness levels. The selectors will also be getting reports on those players that are in rehab so as they make the final decision on the team.
Hardik Pandya hasn’t been able to play for since playing his IPL season for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. He made his last competitive appearance in the last match against Rajasthan Royals on May 24, when he had the use of 15 balls and dished out 34 runs.
Last time he had represented India, it was at the T20 World Cup final on March 8th. The all-rounder has yet to participate in any white-ball duties in India against Afghanistan and then Ireland and England.
India will heavily depend on Pandya to maintain balance in the T20 format and if he continues to miss out and does not get better then it may leave management with a big selection question in mind for the Afghanistan series.